Posted on 11/17/2004 8:44:08 PM PST by granite
It is the first time the offences have been applied in Australia since new counter terrorism laws were introduced in 2002, the AFP said in a statement today.
Thomas also faces charges for possessing a false passport.
Thomas kept his head bowed throughout the short appearance. Defence counsel Lex Lasry QC said he would not be making a bail application until he received more information and instructions from his client.
Magistrate Lisa Hannan remanded Thomas until Wednesday, when the court expects his bail application to be heard.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) earlier raided Thomas' home in Werribee, in Melbourne's south-west, seizing documents and computer equipment.
They also executed a search warrant at a private residence in the bayside suburb of Williamstown.
Police allege that between November 2002 and January 2003 the man travelled overseas and intentionally received funds from al-Qaeda.
They allege he had close associations with the group, led by Osama Bin Laden and believed to be responsible for the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Police allege he made alterations to his passport to avoid detection by authorities.
The commital hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2005.
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